In this exclusive Industry Dive episode, Chris Gehringer, Senior Mastering Engineer and Partner at Sterling Sound, joins me for an in-depth exploration of modern music mastering and the ever-evolving loudness wars.

With decades of experience and a portfolio that includes iconic projects like Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Naughty By Nature’s 1991 self-titled album, and modern chart-toppers from Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Dua Lipa, Chris has mastered countless albums while earning over 20 Grammy nominations. His impressive track record makes him a leading authority on the challenges and innovations in audio mastering today.

Included in our discussion:

• Evolution of Music Mastering: Explore how music mastering has transformed over the decades and what that means for today’s sound quality.
• The State of the Loudness War in 2025: Analyze where the loudness war stands and its impact on modern music.
• The Impact of Brickwalling: Understand how brickwalling techniques can hinder the mastering process and affect dynamic sound quality.
• Industry Shifts in Audio Quality: Discuss whether a future shift towards the philosophy of “louder doesn’t mean better” is on the horizon.
• Insights from Industry Experts: Hear Eric Bass of Shinedown recount his experiences working with Sterling Sound’s Ted Jensen and his preference for a more dynamic master.
• Behind the Music: Delve into Chris Gehringer’s role in creating the unique interludes featured on Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).
• Controversies and Challenges: Analyze the loudness and brickwalling controversies surrounding Metallica’s Death Magnetic.
• The Future of Mastering: Discover how emerging technologies like Dolby Atmos and AI are shaping the future of music mastering.

This episode is a must-listen for music industry professionals, audio enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the technical and creative evolution of music mastering. Whether you’re a fan of classic albums or the latest hits, my conversation with Chris provides invaluable insights into the art and science of audio mastering today.

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